Lions set to roar into the Downs

AUSSIE RULES: The Darling Downs is set to become awash with blue and maroon as the Brisbane Lions take over the region next week.

A total of eight community camps will be held on Monday, with school visits taking place throughout the Downs on Monday and Tuesday.

Harris Andrews, Mitch Hinge, Zac Bailey and Dan McStay will all travel to Toowoomba on February 11 as a part of the Community Camp program, and Andrews said it was a great way to bring the top-flight players out to regional fans.

"It's really exciting to get out to regional towns," he said.

"Football is probably a little far away from Brisbane and now the Gold Coast, and it gives good exposure of the game to a different crowd that don't get the opportunity to go and see the footy all too much.

"It gives them a little bit more incentive to pursue AFL. Rugby league has a strong grip within Queensland, and if we can convey to as many kids as we can and give them the opportunity to try the game out, it's a huge success."

Further clinics across the region will take place in Chinchilla, Dalby, Gatton, Goondiwindi, Kingaroy and Warwick.

Andrews, a 76-game defender with the Lions, said the sessions welcomed both experienced players and those who have never kicked a footy.

"We'll run a few coaching clinics and teach them the finer skills of AFL," he said.

"We also spend time at schools with kids who mightn't play, but are looking to get into an exercise sport.

"Certainly in the past within schools we have talked about leadership and have always had an enjoyable time while we're out there.

"AFL Queensland staff do a good job of explaining player's stories to kids who mightn't follow the sport, and it's exciting for them."

AFL Darling Downs regional manager Jeff Neumann said the league was looking forward to hosting the bevy of Lions players across the Downs.

"It's great to have the players in Toowoomba and in the Downs," he said.

"It's an opportunity for boys and girls who live in country areas to get up close with players of the elite level who don't usually get that chance.

"It's a good way to kickstart the footy year."

Two Community Camp sessions will be held in Toowoomba on Monday, with a kick and catch at HumeRidge Church at 4.30pm and a coaching masterclass at Concordia Lutheran College at 5pm.